Etymology: Euphorbia: for Euphorbus, corpulent Greek physician of Juba II, King of Mauretania. Juba, educated in Rome, and married to daughter of Antony and Cleopatra. From eu, "good" and phorbe, "pasture or fodder," thus giving euphorbos the meaning "well fed."
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-20" tall forb; stems numerous, opposite, very slender but with a main stem
Leaves: mostly opposite, sharp pointed, under 0.2" wide
Flowers: yellow to green, 5-parted, no petals or sepals, surrounded by petal-like parts
Fruits: gray, 3-lobed, capsule
Habitat: prairies, plains, barrens
Conservation Status: Introduced - adventive

USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos